Uncircumcised Fared Better

Genital Warts: A Common STD

Genital warts, a common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Researchers say more than 90% of genital warts are brought on by two strains of HPV, types 6 and 11.

A vaccine to prevent these two strains of HPV (and two other strains) was approved two years ago for girls and women aged 9 to 26 years old. The CDC recommends that 11- and 12-year-old girls receive the vaccination, which is given in three shots.

The vaccine is also recommended for girls and women aged 13 to 26 who haven't completed vaccination already.

HPV Vaccine Controversy

Some 20 states have drawn up bills requiring that young women get the vaccine (which is sold by the name Gardasil). That has generated controversy, with Texas legislators shooting down the governor's bid to require all 11- and 12-year-old girls to have the vaccine by September 2008.

The CDC says that about half of all sexually active women and men in the U.S. will have a genital HPV infection at some time in their lives. Most HPV infections are cleared by the body.